INTRODUCTION

With all of the poor testimonies in Christianity, believers ought to thank God for those who have maintained a good reputation. No doubt Paul spoke to the Lord about the wickedness of Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1:20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
See All...; 2 Timothy 4:14Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
See All...), but not to the neglect of the believers in Rome (Romans 1:8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
See All...). Throughout the world people spake of the faith of these believers. Knowledge of their obedience spread abroad to all men (Romans 16:19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
See All...). And though Paul would commend them for their godly reputation, he knew right well who deserved the thanks. In like manner, believers today ought to spend more time thanking God for the good reputations.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Read why Paul was thankful for Philemon (Philemon 1:4-7 [4] I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, [5] Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; [6] That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. [7] For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
  See All...); for the saints in the church at Colosse (Colossians 1:1-4 [1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, [2] To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, [4] Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
  See All...). Name someone who lives for the Lord and for whom you are thankful.
• When is the last time you thanked God for the good reputations of certain believers? Do you spend too much time complaining about the carnal saints and too little time thanking God for the ones who bear a good testimony?
• Do you have a good reputation? How did you ultimately gain that reputation? Have you thanked God for it?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank God for the godly reputations of those you know.
• Ask God to protect these believers.

HYMN

Count Your Blessings

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